Lent

April 2, 2023

Scripture Reading:

Matthew 21:1-11
When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, ‘Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, just say this, “The Lord needs them.” And he will send them immediately.’ This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying,
‘Tell the daughter of Zion,
Look, your king is coming to you,
   humble, and mounted on a donkey,
     and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’

The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting,
‘Hosanna to the Son of David!
   Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!’

When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, ‘Who is this?’ The crowds were saying, ‘This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.’

Fame can be heady, but it also can be a challenge. Being a star actor, musician, athlete, politician even a preacher makes people deal with who they really are and who others perceive them to be. Jesus had to walk that lonely journey. He had to find the perfect combination of being known for who he really was while being able to get others’ attention to share his purpose and not just view him as what we might call a Rock Star.

Amid being surrounded by people all different, and all-seeing him from the prisms of their lives, Jesus seemed to be able to meet each person by who they were and respond appropriately from the children waving their palms in great joy to being jealous (?) threatened (?) faith leaders and even Pilate. He loved them all.

We inherited this same challenge from Jesus when we answered his call to take up his cross and follow (See Matthew 16:24-26} his example to love everyone as we work to build God’s Beloved Community.

Prayer: Lord, during this Holy Week open our hearts and minds to your service. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.